Stephen Presents: Jennifer Garner

Summary

The Late Show Pod Show with Stephen Colbert

Episode: Stephen Presents: Jennifer Garner
Date: October 9, 2025
Guest: Jennifer Garner

---

Episode Overview

In this charming and nostalgic episode, Stephen Colbert welcomes acclaimed actor Jennifer Garner to reminisce about their early days in New York, her time as his family’s babysitter, her meteoric rise in Hollywood, and her latest film, Wakefield. The conversation is peppered with warmth, playful banter, and behind-the-scenes tales, creating an intimate portrait of both the guest and the host’s long-standing friendship.

---

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Stephen & Jennifer’s Personal History

• The duo’s connection dates back to the late ‘90s when both were struggling actors in New York, guest-starring on Spin City.
• Jennifer briefly babysat Stephen’s daughter, Madeline, during her early days before fame.
  • [07:40] Stephen: “Jennifer Garner was briefly our babysitter… She was springtime itself. She still is...”

2. Life Before Hollywood Success

• Jennifer shares her life in New York, juggling restaurant work, acting gigs, and babysitting.
• She remembers her time fondly and recounts working at Isabella, a restaurant that just recently closed.
  • [15:19] Jennifer: “Isabella is where I was a hostess 20 some years ago. Just closed two days ago... I’m having a rough time. I just missed it.”

3. Early Acting Days & Spin City Memories

• Both recall their brief roles on Spin City, joking about their few lines and wrap parties funded by network budgets.
  • [10:52] Jennifer: “I had maybe 10 lines in the episode. And you had two. Two. Right here, baby.”
• Jennifer discusses trading off babysitting with her roommate and takes joy in how those early, humble days shaped her.

4. Transition to Hollywood & Breakout with Alias

• After getting a new agent, Jennifer moved to LA—an intimidating transition. Stephen and his wife doubted if LA would be a fit, only to see her become a star.
  • [12:00] Jennifer: “I just remember your gorgeous little girl. She was such a peanut. She was really smart...”
  • [13:11] Stephen: “A few years pass... and there, eight stories on the side of a building on 42nd street, is you in Alias...”
• She reflects on the transformative moment her life took off after being cast in Alias.
  • [13:22] Jennifer: “Imagine, like, that moment when things shift for you like that, when you go from babysitting and struggling to all of a sudden being... That was really fun.”

5. Babysitting Anecdotes & Playful Banter

• Lighthearted discussion about whether Stephen still owes Jennifer babysitting money, recalling Oreos as the barter currency.
  • [14:40] Jennifer: “The last time I babysat for you, you said, 'Can I get you next time?'”
  • [15:07] Jennifer: “I think you just let me eat your Oreos and things...”
• They joke about how Stephen couldn’t possibly have commented on the babysitter’s looks to his wife at the time.

6. Rescue Dog Rescue & Puppy Day at The Late Show

• Becca and Stephen discuss the “Puppy Day” joy among staff when rescue dogs come to the set.
  • [05:18] Becca: “We’ve had many staff member pups over the years… But what you might not know is… we all go down and play with them and cuddle with them…”
  • [06:27] Becca: “Over 200 dogs adopted on the show. Isn’t that so nice?”
• Stephen recounts his dog Benny’s jealousy when he returns from holding other puppies.

7. Jennifer’s Reputation in Hollywood

• Stephen praises Jennifer for her enduring kindness and likability—“the most likable person in Hollywood.”
• He requests a tongue-in-cheek on-air endorsement, which Jennifer gamely provides.
  • [16:15] Jennifer (mock ad): “Stephen Colbert is someone that you can have faith in to bring you evening entertainment that you will laugh at, learn from, and enjoy…”

8. About Wakefield — Jennifer’s Latest Film

• Jennifer explains the complex, emotional premise: Bryan Cranston’s character, Howard, hides in his attic, observing his family, while Jennifer’s character, Diana, is unaware.
  • [17:19] Jennifer: “He’s so amazing, but basically he’s a guy who works in the city, lives in Connecticut… can’t bear to walk into my house again… lives up there for a year… you only see us through his point of view…”
• They perform a dramatic excerpt from the film, showcasing Jennifer’s range and the movie’s intensity.
  • [18:32] Jennifer (as Diana): “You have muzzled me to the point where I can’t carry on a conversation with other parents... All I want is to get through the day."

9. Building On-Screen Intimacy with Bryan Cranston

• Jennifer details an unusual method used to quickly build on-screen chemistry: prolonged eye-contact, physical exercises, and even sniffing each other.
  • [19:23] Jennifer: “We had to stand and stare into each other’s eyes for a long time... sit on the floor back to back... then she had him remove my socks and look at my feet… then sniff each other.”
  • [20:41] Jennifer: “I smelled Ivory soap… He smelled delightful.”

10. Parting Words & Their Ongoing Connection

• Stephen offers to return the babysitting favor. Jennifer jokes about having “17 children.”
  • [20:58] Jennifer: “17 children. That’s what I feel like.”

---

Notable Quotes and Memorable Moments (with Timestamps)

• On Jennifer as a Babysitter:

  • “Jennifer Garner was briefly our babysitter when I met her…” — Stephen Colbert [07:40]

• On the Early Days in New York:

  • “I had maybe 10 lines in the episode. And you had two. Two. Right here, baby.” — Jennifer Garner [10:52]

• Stephen's Reaction to Her Breakout:

  • “There, eight stories on the side of a building...is you in Alias in the Sydney Barstow in a red wig...pretty much drove up on the sidewalk.” — Stephen Colbert [13:11]

• Jennifer Endorses The Late Show:

  • “Stephen Colbert is someone that you can have faith in to bring you evening entertainment that you will laugh at, learn from, and enjoy...” — Jennifer Garner [16:15]

• On Building Intimacy for Wakefield:

  • “We had to stand and stare into each other’s eyes for a long time... sit on the floor back to back... then she had him remove my socks and look at my feet… then sniff each other.” — Jennifer Garner [19:23]

• On Bryan Cranston’s Scent:

  • “I smelled Ivory soap. He smelled delightful.” — Jennifer Garner [20:41]

• Parting Joke:

  • “17 children. That’s what I feel like.” — Jennifer Garner [20:58]

---

Important Segment Timestamps

• Stephen & Jennifer reminisce about Spin City and babysitting: [10:11–11:54]
• Jennifer’s move to LA and becoming a star: [12:00–13:22]
• Recounting the breakthrough with Alias: [13:11–13:37]
• Babysitting pay and barter jokes: [14:40–15:14]
• Jennifer returns to New York and lost restaurants: [15:17–15:40]
• Jennifer’s on-air endorsement: [16:15]
• Discussion of Wakefield & dramatic scene: [16:57–19:04]
• Intimacy exercises with Bryan Cranston: [19:13–20:41]
• Playful farewell exchange: [20:54–21:07]

---

Episode Tone

The episode blends warmth, nostalgia, and humor, reflecting the genuine affection and camaraderie between Colbert and Garner. Fans of both personalities and listeners new to their story will find it a heartening look at the unpredictability of show business, the power of kindness, and the enduring bonds formed on the way up.

---

Transcript

[Stephen Colbert]

Hey, everybody. Stephen Colbert here about to read the copy for our sponsor. This is from our friends at Wonderful Pistachios. And I was the wonderful pistachio spokesman for years. Yeah, I have a real close association with nut meat. Okay. You know what they say when they reach for a snack? Don't hold back. And that's exactly the approach with Wonderful Pistachios. The don't hold back snack. These little wonders are so tasty, it feels like getting away with something. But surprise. Each serving has 6 grams of protein and 0 grams of regret. That's right. No guilt. Just glory, glory in our nuts. Whether it's a satisfying crack of in shell pistachios, and that's capitalized in shell, or the smooth, instant gratification of no shells. No judgment. That's just it. Just eat. No judgment. I take issue with one thing. It's instant gratification. It's super tasty smooth.

[Becca (Producer)]

It's a hard nut smooth.

[Stephen Colbert (Host, Interviewer)]

Exactly.

[Stephen Colbert]

I mean, even out of the shell, it's still a nut.

[Becca (Producer)]

We can't disparage the nuts.

[Jennifer Garner]

You.

[Stephen Colbert (Host, Interviewer)]

I'm not disparaging the nut.

[Stephen Colbert]

I'm describing the nut.

[Becca (Producer)]

Don't disparage any flavors.

[Stephen Colbert]

I'm not. I am celebrating the pistachio right now. I'm on board. I love pistachios.

[Stephen Colbert (Host, Interviewer)]

I love. I love crushed pistachio. Like a pistachio crusted trout.

[Stephen Colbert]

Oh, unbelievable. Instead of a trout amandine, a trout pistachio. Fantastic. Enough butter? Who cares?

[Becca (Producer)]

Very good.

[Stephen Colbert]

And I love pistachio ice cream.

[Becca (Producer)]

Have you had the sea salt and vinegar? Wonderful pistachio. It's delicious. I get em.

[Stephen Colbert]

I didn't even know I get them.

[Becca (Producer)]

Before the softball games.

[Stephen Colbert]

But that's. You see, it's been a while since I've been the spokesman for wonderful pistachios. I didn't realize we'd achieved new pistachio technology.

[Becca (Producer)]

Yeah. Yeah. Wow.

[Stephen Colbert]

Wonderful pistachios has every snack style covered. Right now. There's an obsession with jalapeno lime. There is an obsession session. It's almost a disorder. It's spicy, it's zesty. It's basically a flavor roller coaster in a nut. Snacking on the go. Grab a bag of no shells. Feeling contemplative and want to work for it a little. So earning it, they're saying if you want to earn your nut, crack open those in shell beauties. Either way, it's snacking like a champ. So the next time hunger strikes, don't hold back. Unless it's a hunger strike. And Then it's important that you do, because whatever you're doing that for, I'm sure it's a worthwhile cause. Snack like you mean it with wonderful pistachios. Visit wonderfulpistachios.com to learn more.

[Becca (Producer)]

That was a wonderful.

[Stephen Colbert]

I wonder what more there is to learn. We just told them so much. We just told them so much about pistachios. But evidently there's a whole other world. There's an unexplored vista.

[Becca (Producer)]

They got a bunch of flavors. They got dill pickle, jalapeno lime, as we learned, smoky barbecue. There's a lot of different flavors.

[Stephen Colbert]

Wow. And I would not disparage any of them.

[Becca (Producer)]

No, no, no.

[Stephen Colbert]

Bring it on.

[Becca (Producer)]

Nothing bad to say.

[Stephen Colbert]

Nut me, nut. Nut me with nut meat.

[Becca (Producer)]

We're nut.

[Stephen Colbert]

No, we got nothing but nut. Nutty, nutty, nutty, nutty. Talk about, talk about, talk about, talk about Nutty. Good.

[Commercial Announcer]

Get 40% off Abercrombie kids sweatshirts and sweatpants during their coziest sale ever. When sweats are all they want to wear. Stock up on sets that are both comfy and on trend. Shop in the Abercrombie Kids app online and in stores to save up to 40% off all sweatshirts and sweatpants offer valid in stores and online October 8, 2025 to October 13, 2025, in US and Canada. Excludes clearance online price reflects 10 discount.

[Stephen Colbert]

Hi, it's Stephen Colbert. Welcome to a Wednesday edition of the Late show pod Show. I'm here with my producer, Becca. Hi, Becca.

[Becca (Producer)]

Hi, Stephen. Thanks so much for doing these with me. I know you're a super busy guy.

[Stephen Colbert]

I really appreciate it today, especially with basically two shows.

[Becca (Producer)]

Yeah, you got big Kimmel night. It'll be so fun.

[Stephen Colbert]

This is the Kimmel night. And over at Kimmel, it's the Colbert night. Not to just, I mean, let you know that there's not the only. Not the only show I'm on to.

[Becca (Producer)]

No, of course, of course. And I appreciate you taking time to do a tiny podcast with me when you have big other podcast runs.

[Stephen Colbert]

Giant podcasts keep on going.

[Becca (Producer)]

Okay, so tonight I want to talk about for a second something that brings me immense joy at the Late show that the audience sees, but they don't always. They might not know what it's like to be a staffer on the Late show when we get pizza Tuesdays. You know, we get pizza Tuesdays, the.

[Stephen Colbert]

Audience sees pizza Tuesday.

[Becca (Producer)]

No, I'm saying there are days at the Late show that bring us so much joy. One of them Pizza Tuesdays, Sack Thursdays. We've already talked about these things. What we haven't talked about is puppy day.

[Stephen Colbert]

When we do rescue dog rescue, I think it's like they come in with like nine or ten puppies.

[Becca (Producer)]

Yes.

[Stephen Colbert]

And we cause some jokes get cut so you don't see all the puppies at home. But it's fantastic. Everybody's super excited. The guest is always excited. There's never been a guest who hasn't been overjoyed. The fact that they get to tell jokes with the puppy in their arms.

[Becca (Producer)]

Yes.

[Stephen Colbert]

And sometimes puppies go home with staff members.

[Becca (Producer)]

Yes. Yeah. We've had many staff member pups over the years, which is really sweet because we see them grow up from the puppies to a big dog. So sweet. But what you might not know is that to get the dogs in such a cuddly, sweet position where they won't run around and wiggle in your guys arms too much on tv, they open up the rooms that the puppies are staying in for the staff and we all go down and play with them and cuddle with them.

[Stephen Colbert]

Oh, I didn't know that.

[Becca (Producer)]

And tucker them out little bit so that they're nice and chill when it's time for you guys.

[Stephen Colbert]

Oh, that's nice.

[Becca (Producer)]

And so in the middle of the day, people will say, I'm taking a five minute break, I gotta see a puppy. And then just people are just dying, loving how sweet the puppies are.

[Stephen Colbert]

That's fantastic. I did not know that.

[Becca (Producer)]

The next time there's puppy days just hit me up. I'll tell you where the puppies are.

[Stephen Colbert]

Interestingly, I think. How long have we been doing rescue dog rescue?

[Becca (Producer)]

Since 2017.

[Jennifer Garner]

Okay.

[Stephen Colbert]

So eight years now. And it's only I'm always afraid the puppy's gonna pee or poop on me. Has never happened.

[Becca (Producer)]

Wow.

[Stephen Colbert]

Now of course it will. But only once I think pooped in a little area there.

[Becca (Producer)]

Yeah, yeah, yeah.

[Stephen Colbert]

When the camera got a nice. We got a little lipstick camera down there to capture that.

[Becca (Producer)]

And also a beautiful data point. Over 200 dogs adopted on the show. Isn't that so nice?

[Stephen Colbert]

Yep.

[Becca (Producer)]

And we're dog lovers, you and I, so we know every dog, every dog is a universe.

[Stephen Colbert]

Benny is always jealous when I come up to. Cause Benny comes to work with me often. My dog Benny often comes to work with me. And when I come up from doing rescue dog rescue and he's on the couch there outside the office, he's always very excited to see me. But he'll run up to Me. And then he'll stop for a second and he'll start sniffing my hands because holding the puppy in my arm. So he starts sniffing my sleeves and like that. And he's like, what? Where? Who have you been with? What is this? It's so fun to watch.

[Becca (Producer)]

It's really, really sweet.

[Stephen Colbert]

All right, hit me.

[Becca (Producer)]

All right. But today, this for guess the guest. This is someone who has held puppies on the show she's participated in rescue dog rescue.

[Stephen Colbert]

Jennifer Aniston.

[Becca (Producer)]

No.

[Stephen Colbert]

Okay, okay.

[Becca (Producer)]

Keep going close. She has also at one point held a baby that happened to be your baby. She has held puppies and she also has held your baby at one point.

[Stephen Colbert]

Give me a second here. I need a hundred percent. Need a second here. She has held my baby.

[Becca (Producer)]

Some would use the term babysitter.

[Stephen Colbert]

Oh, Jay Garn.

[Jennifer Garner]

Mm.

[Stephen Colbert]

Jennifer Garner.

[Becca (Producer)]

This is Jennifer Garner.

[Stephen Colbert]

Jennifer Garner was briefly our babysitter when I met her, when she was a guest star as just a young thing straight off the bus from West Virginia, just corn fed, milk scrubbed and just. You couldn't believe that she was fresh. She was springtime itself. She still is, but at age. Meow, meow. I don't. I mean this was 19. Carvey had been canceled. It was the next fall. I got hard. It was like fall of 96, maybe crazy fall of 96, maybe 97. I don't think so. Doing Spin City. We were both guest stars on Spin City Day Players. I think she had a two episode arc. I was like, wow, two episode arc, you know, And I came in for one episode and I met this just such so delightful. Just absolutely. You can just hook up your jumper cables to her for energy. And at the. There was a wrap party every week. You know, wrap party. Back when networks had money, there was a wrap party every week. And she said, well, I'm out of a job. I said, I'm out of a job too. And she said back to babysitting. I said, I have a baby. She goes, great. And she didn't live that far from us on the. I think it was on the Upper east side.

[Becca (Producer)]

Oh, cool.

[Stephen Colbert]

And. And she. And. But she only babysit Madeline. Sweet little Maddie, as she calls her now, who's now 30.

[Becca (Producer)]

Oh, wow. Yeah, 13 going on 30. You know, look at that. The Jennifer Garner story.

[Stephen Colbert]

But she wasn't. She hadn't. Like we. She said, I'm going out to la.

[Becca (Producer)]

Oh, wow.

[Stephen Colbert]

I got a new manager and he wants me to move to la. And we're like, oh, you poor thing. Oh, well, never that's it. You'll never. She's. I don't know. I don't know. I don't know if la's for her. That's what we kept on saying. I don't know if la's for her. Where was I to speak? I was as unemployed as. But. And then it all worked out. All worked out for Jennifer Garner.

[Becca (Producer)]

That's beautiful. Very happy.

[Stephen Colbert]

And she's just truly a lovely person.

[Becca (Producer)]

Lovely. Lovely. All right. Well, this is you talking to Jennifer Garner on the Late show. Please enjoy.

[Stephen Colbert (Host, Interviewer)]

Welcome back, ladies and gentlemen. I'm awfully excited. Cause my first guest tonight is the Golden Globe winning actor, you know, from Alias and I know as an extremely reliable babysitter. She now stars in the film Wakefield. Please welcome Jennifer Garner. It's so nice to have you here.

[Jennifer Garner]

Thank you.

[Stephen Colbert (Host, Interviewer)]

I have wanted to sit across a desk from you for so long.

[Jennifer Garner]

I know it really has been a long time.

[Stephen Colbert (Host, Interviewer)]

Well, let's quickly tell the people here how we know each other.

[Jennifer Garner]

Yes. I'm sure they remember. Sure.

[Stephen Colbert (Host, Interviewer)]

You must remember. I'm sure you guys must remember episodes of Spin City. We were both in.

[Jennifer Garner]

We were both guest stars in an episode of Spin City. You all saw it, right?

[Stephen Colbert (Host, Interviewer)]

1996, something like that.

[Jennifer Garner]

1996.

[Stephen Colbert (Host, Interviewer)]

1996. Back when spin City was rocking.

[Jennifer Garner]

It was. It was a big deal. I was a cat lady. Something. I was. I had.

[Stephen Colbert (Host, Interviewer)]

You were the girlfriend of one of the cast members.

[Jennifer Garner]

Yes.

[Stephen Colbert (Host, Interviewer)]

Yeah.

[Jennifer Garner]

And who were you? You wore a suit.

[Stephen Colbert]

I was.

[Stephen Colbert (Host, Interviewer)]

Like the governor's assistant or something like that.

[Jennifer Garner]

And I had maybe 10 lines in the episode. And you had two. Two. Right here. Right here, baby.

[Stephen Colbert (Host, Interviewer)]

You were the big star. So at the wrap party, when the whole thing's over for that week's episode, you said, well, I'm out of a job. And I said, I'm out of a job, too. And I said, and I have a baby.

[Jennifer Garner]

And you said, I babysit.

[Stephen Colbert (Host, Interviewer)]

So you started babysitting.

[Jennifer Garner]

See how it went?

[Stephen Colbert (Host, Interviewer)]

And this is how you survive as an actress.

[Jennifer Garner]

By the way, did Evvy ever learn Italian?

[Stephen Colbert (Host, Interviewer)]

Oh, yes, she did.

[Jennifer Garner]

She did.

[Stephen Colbert (Host, Interviewer)]

Well, I mean, she took Italian classes.

[Jennifer Garner]

Yeah, right. I babysat on her Italian class this night.

[Stephen Colbert (Host, Interviewer)]

Right. So she would go out and take on Mondays. Yes. All I think she remembers is mi marito, her husband. That's the word that she remembers. But she would babysit for our daughter, Madeline.

[Jennifer Garner]

Yes. I traded off with my roommate, depending on who was working in the restaurant and who was. Yes. Karina, who's still bestie godmother to my Kids.

[Stephen Colbert (Host, Interviewer)]

Hi.

[Becca (Producer)]

Hi.

[Stephen Colbert]

Hi.

[Stephen Colbert (Host, Interviewer)]

And then one day you came and you said, I got a new agent.

[Jennifer Garner]

Yes. He wants me to go to la. And I did.

[Stephen Colbert (Host, Interviewer)]

And we said, oh, that poor thing.

[Jennifer Garner]

But you know what?

[Stephen Colbert (Host, Interviewer)]

Because you were so nice. You are so nice. You're not formerly nice, you're president.

[Jennifer Garner]

You were so nice, we thought, like.

[Stephen Colbert (Host, Interviewer)]

Los Angeles will devour her. Oh, well, because you were, like, straight from West Virginia.

[Becca (Producer)]

It did, yes.

[Jennifer Garner]

It devoured me. But I'm okay. Yeah, I'm all right. But I would just remember your gorgeous little girl. She was such a peanut. She was really smart. She was very.

[Stephen Colbert (Host, Interviewer)]

Yeah, she still is.

[Jennifer Garner]

Verbal and very.

[Stephen Colbert]

She still is.

[Becca (Producer)]

She was.

[Jennifer Garner]

And she was precocious and adorable. And I remember the two of us, like, going into your drawers and trying on your clothes. And.

[Stephen Colbert (Host, Interviewer)]

You don't have any photos of that or anything, do you? No.

[Stephen Colbert]

So you go out to la and.

[Stephen Colbert (Host, Interviewer)]

We'Re like, okay, that's it. We'll never hear from Jennifer Garner again.

[Stephen Colbert]

She's nice.

[Stephen Colbert (Host, Interviewer)]

She's talented and everything, but still too nice for Los Angeles.

[Jennifer Garner]

I thought the same.

[Stephen Colbert (Host, Interviewer)]

A few years pass by. A few years pass by and you've done some work. But I come out of the Lincoln tunnel and there, eight stories on the side of a building on 42nd street, is you in the Alias in the Sydney Barstow in a red wig, in the gray catsuit, like, doing this thing.

[Jennifer Garner]

Yeah.

[Stephen Colbert (Host, Interviewer)]

Looking, you know, super sexy. And I pretty much drove up on the sidewalk, and when I got to the bodega to get my coffee that morning for work, it was like the TV Guide had that same picture.

[Jennifer Garner]

Isn't that the coolest? That was. I mean, imagine, like, that moment when things shift for you like that, when you go from, you know, babysitting and struggling to all of a sudden being. It was. That was really fun.

[Stephen Colbert (Host, Interviewer)]

Right? And everybody must have known that that was gonna be a huge breakout role for you, because you were everywhere close.

[Jennifer Garner]

J.J. abrams, he, you know, he kind of knows what he's doing.

[Stephen Colbert (Host, Interviewer)]

So I buy the TV Guide and I take it home and I cover your name on it. You've got the red wig and again the catsuit. And I showed it to Evie.

[Stephen Colbert]

Have I ever told you this story?

[Becca (Producer)]

No.

[Stephen Colbert (Host, Interviewer)]

Ok. So I showed it to Evie and I said, my wife and I said, guess who that is? And she said, I don't know. Is somebody on the Daily show tonight? Who is that? And I said, no, no, no, no.

[Becca (Producer)]

Take a look.

[Stephen Colbert (Host, Interviewer)]

And she goes, I just don't know who that is. And I took My finger off her name. She went, that's Jen. I said, yes. And she said she wasn't hot. And I said, did you say that? Yes, she was. And she said, you never said anything. I said, what am I supposed to say? Have you noticed how hot the babysitter is?

[Stephen Colbert]

It doesn't go over well.

[Stephen Colbert (Host, Interviewer)]

It doesn't go over well. Does not go over well. Now, I hear I still owe you money. You told Jon Stewart that I did not pay you enough.

[Jennifer Garner]

I mean, the last time I babysat for you, you said, evie, do you have any money? She said, do you have any money? And you said, you know what? Can I get you next time?

[Becca (Producer)]

Is that true?

[Stephen Colbert]

No.

[Stephen Colbert (Host, Interviewer)]

This will get something. You can have something for this. What do we pay, like, $10 an hour? Something like that?

[Jennifer Garner]

I don't remember. I.

[Stephen Colbert (Host, Interviewer)]

In the 90s, right. It was a barter system back then.

[Becca (Producer)]

Right.

[Jennifer Garner]

I think you just let me eat your Oreos and things. You know, I don't.

[Stephen Colbert]

You still can.

[Jennifer Garner]

Thank you.

[Stephen Colbert]

You still can.

[Jennifer Garner]

Thanks. And I still would.

[Stephen Colbert (Host, Interviewer)]

Now you're back in New York because.

[Stephen Colbert]

I knew you in New York. Do.

[Stephen Colbert (Host, Interviewer)]

Do you love being back in the city?

[Jennifer Garner]

I'm so happy. I mean, how about New York today and yesterday? Right? Did I chose, like, the absolute? Yeah, you don't go outside. I chose the absolute. Or I got lucky enough to. To be here on the most gorgeous week ever. And I'm so happy to be back. Isabella is where I was a hostess 20 some years ago. Just closed two days ago. So that's, you know, I'm having a rough time. I just missed it.

[Stephen Colbert]

Oh, yeah? Yeah.

[Stephen Colbert (Host, Interviewer)]

You are known to be, like, one of the most trusted and most likable people in Hollywood. What's. Not sure what's happening right now, but.

[Jennifer Garner]

I don't want anything to pop out that would be.

[Stephen Colbert (Host, Interviewer)]

Sometimes people, like, sort of trust the endorsements.

[Jennifer Garner]

Oh, that's nice.

[Stephen Colbert (Host, Interviewer)]

Could I ask you a favor as an old friend? Old friend.

[Becca (Producer)]

Absolutely.

[Stephen Colbert (Host, Interviewer)]

Anyway, would you mind just looking at the camera endorsing this show for the people out there and just saying, you should watch the show. I'm Jennifer Garner, and I think you might enjoy the show. And what's in your wallet?

[Stephen Colbert]

What do you want to say?

[Jennifer Garner]

Yeah, I can. Okay. Hi, I'm Jennifer Garner. I'm here at the Stephen Colbert show, and you should watch. Watch this show. He's somebody. Wait, hang on. I should use your name. Stephen Colbert is someone that you can have faith in to bring you evening entertainment that you will laugh at, learn from, and enjoy welcome to the Stephen Colbert show, except now it's called the Late show with Stephen Colbert.

[Stephen Colbert (Host, Interviewer)]

Super bowl ratings.

[Stephen Colbert]

You're the best.

[Jennifer Garner]

I charge for that.

[Stephen Colbert (Host, Interviewer)]

By the way, you got the new film called Wakefield.

[Jennifer Garner]

Yes.

[Stephen Colbert (Host, Interviewer)]

Where you play, if you get this right, Diana Wakefield.

[Jennifer Garner]

Yes.

[Stephen Colbert (Host, Interviewer)]

And your husband, Howard Wakefield, is played by Bryan Cranston.

[Stephen Colbert]

Bryan Cranston.

[Stephen Colbert (Host, Interviewer)]

All right, and what is it about? It's a little bit of an odd story.

[Jennifer Garner]

It is. It's a fascinating story. It's all about Bryan Cranston's performance, which, if you say you don't need to hear anything more than that.

[Stephen Colbert]

Right.

[Jennifer Garner]

He's so amazing, but basically, he's a guy who works in the city, lives in Connecticut. He's on the train home one night, and he just. I can't bear to walk into my house again. I can't go back into the routine with my wife and my two daughters. I can't listen to them talk about the same mundane things. So he ends up going into the attic of our house, which is above our garage, and from the window in our attic, he can look into the kitchen window of the house, and he starts watching. And he lives up there for a year, but.

[Stephen Colbert (Host, Interviewer)]

And you don't know he's up there.

[Jennifer Garner]

And we don't know he's there. So he's hiding. He's living like a vagrant coming down at night. I mean, you know, kind of scrounging around the neighborhood in the garbage. But he lives watching his family. And you only see us through from his point of view, so you hardly hear us talk.

[Stephen Colbert (Host, Interviewer)]

But the next scene is the scene between you and Brian, okay?

[Jennifer Garner]

Oh, yeah. Well, besides here. Besides right now, where you will see us before. It's kind of a flashback to what our relationship was like right before he decided to be an attic liver. Okay, Jim, I'm so sick of this. This constant surveillance. You.

[Becca (Producer)]

Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa.

[Jennifer Garner]

You have muzzled me to the point where I can't carry on a conversation with other parents. I barely relate to people anymore.

[Stephen Colbert]

You were relating to him, weren't you?

[Jennifer Garner]

What do you nutsy. I mean, do you think I'd be even remotely inclined to start something up with anyone, given the relationship we have? All I want is to get through the day. That's what I think about. Just get through the day.

[Stephen Colbert (Host, Interviewer)]

Very intense. It's an intense scene.

[Jennifer Garner]

It's an intense scene.

[Stephen Colbert (Host, Interviewer)]

It's an intense scene.

[Becca (Producer)]

Mm.

[Stephen Colbert (Host, Interviewer)]

Did you guys do anything to, like, do any action exercises or was there a long rehearsal process to get into the couple relationships?

[Jennifer Garner]

This Was a tiny movie on a teeny, tiny budget. And usually where you are, if you're playing, doing something as intimate as this movie, because you really had to believe this marriage in order for it to play, even though we're not together, you have to really believe there's a connection between these people. And we did have a love scene. And so you had to kind of. There was an intimacy thing there. And so the director, Robin Swicord, said, I learned about this model that we can use to kind of make intimacy happen quickly. Not what you're thinking, but it is very interesting and unique and I think I should tell you about it. So we got together at this house and Brian and I first had to stand and stare into each other's eyes for a long time, like an uncomfortably long time. And she was talking to us about, imagine this person as a baby. Imagine this person is a six year old. So we're staring at each other and we're trying not to giggle. Then we had to sit on the floor back to back and like rub backs against each other. I mean, it's so uncomfortable. So then we're touching hands. Then she had him remove my socks and look at my feet. And then we had to stand next to each other and sniff each other. You're looking at me like it's a.

[Stephen Colbert (Host, Interviewer)]

No, no, no. That's what I thought it would be. What does Bryan Cranston smell like? Because I'm going to imagine like catcher's mitt.

[Jennifer Garner]

I smelled Ivory soap.

[Stephen Colbert (Host, Interviewer)]

Ivory soap.

[Jennifer Garner]

Ivory soap. He smelled delightful.

[Stephen Colbert (Host, Interviewer)]

Tell me what he smelled like when the cameras go off.

[Becca (Producer)]

Okay.

[Stephen Colbert (Host, Interviewer)]

Well, it was lovely to see you again.

[Jennifer Garner]

It's so nice to see you.

[Stephen Colbert (Host, Interviewer)]

If I can ever return the favor. If you need any babysitting.

[Jennifer Garner]

I do.

[Stephen Colbert (Host, Interviewer)]

You do?

[Becca (Producer)]

I have so much.

[Jennifer Garner]

17 children. That's what I feel like.

[Stephen Colbert (Host, Interviewer)]

Are they in the city with you?

[Jennifer Garner]

No.

[Stephen Colbert (Host, Interviewer)]

All right, well, let's go party.

[Jennifer Garner]

I would love it.

[Stephen Colbert (Host, Interviewer)]

Thank you, Jen. Eddie says hi.

[Stephen Colbert]

Thank you for listening to the Late.

[Stephen Colbert (Host, Interviewer)]

Show Pod show with Stephen Colbert.

[Stephen Colbert]

Just one more thing.

[Stephen Colbert (Host, Interviewer)]

If you want to see more of me, come to The Late Show YouTube.

[Stephen Colbert]

Channel for more clips and exclusives.

[Stephen Colbert (Host, Interviewer)]

This October, Pluto TV has all the scares, all for free with fan favorite horror movies like Paranormal Activity, the ring, Scream, and 28 Days Later. Pluto TV. Stream now paid never now streaming on Paramount.

[Jennifer Garner]

Plus, witness an intimate look at Ozzy Osbourne's fight.

[Stephen Colbert (Host, Interviewer)]

I should take pills for fun.

[Jennifer Garner]

I would take just a while to reclaim the magic. I took dad to the studio every day.

[Becca (Producer)]

God, he's having a great, great time.

[Stephen Colbert]

Of course he's making music.

[Stephen Colbert (Host, Interviewer)]

I think that's fuel for my dad.

[Jennifer Garner]

One last time, what do you think about a big farewell show?

[Stephen Colbert]

I'm not good at being sick.

[Stephen Colbert (Host, Interviewer)]

I'd belong up there.

[Jennifer Garner]

Had a brilliant career. And it ended in a brilliant way.

[Commercial Announcer]

Ozzy no Escape from Now new documentary now streaming on Paramount plus.